Event 557

Mametz: The new WWI production from National Theatre of Wales

Saturday 31 May 2014, 4pm
Venue: The Cube

An exclusive preview and discussion of National Theatre of Wales' new ambitious WWI site-specific production, with writer Owen Sheers and Creative Associate Prof. Chris Morris.

Mametz, directed by Matthew Dunster,tells the story of the 38th Welsh Division's July 1916 battle for Mametz Wood. Drawing on the work of writers who fought at the battle, including Robert Graves, Siegfried Sassoon, Llewelyn Wyn Griffith and David Jones, the play will take audiences into the heart of the frontline, no man's land and the lives of those who fought and died within Mametz Wood. With readings, video and discussion Owen and Chris will tell the story of the play's genesis from the discovery of an out-of-print book in Hay in 1998, to its current design and development.

Mametz is co-commissioned by National Theatre Wales and 14-18 NOW, WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund

With thanks to BBC Wales

Event HF139

Saturday 31 May 2014, 4pm
Venue: Elmley Foundation Stage

Calling all Beast Quest fans! Help the good wizard Aduro to free the beasts from Malvel’s evil spell. Take part in a Beast Quest Tournament… and get a sneak peek of Adam Blade’s new series, Sea Quest!Duration 45 minutes7+ years

Event 403

Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War, 1914

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: The Tata Tent

The historian offers a wide-ranging chronicle of the politics and military action of 1914. Hastings gives a blistering critique of German and Austrian aggression in the run-up to war, and a new vision of the first months of the conflict. He describes how the French Army marched into action amid virgin rural landscapes in uniforms of red and blue, led by mounted officers, with flags flying and bands playing.

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Sponsored by Viking Cruises

Event 404

The BHA Lecture

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: Llwyfan Cymru – Wales Stage

As President of the British Humanist Association since the beginning of last year, Al-Khalili has brought his own brand of scientific rationalism to the role. He talks about how he sees the humanist movement evolving in modern-day Britain and how it is now OK to state openly in polite conversation that one is an atheist. He will highlight some of the BHA’s recent activities (both the successes and the ongoing campaigns), and add a personal perspective on how his own humanist and rationalist views have been shaped by science and his upbringing in a mixed-religion – but tolerant – family atmosphere in Iraq in the ’60s and ’70s.

Event 406

Hegarty On Creativity: There Are No Rules

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: Elmley Foundation Stage

The legendary advertising executive looks at provocations and themes at the heart of creative thinking. His message is always crystal clear and promotes the benefits of simplifying, thinking boldly and being undaunted by challenges.

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Event 407

Fictions – American Time

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: The Oxfam Moot

In her new collection Bark the great short story writer Lorrie Moore explores the passage of time, and summons up its inevitable sorrows and comic pitfalls. Gimlet-eyed social observation, the public and private absurdities of American life, dramatic irony, and enduring half-cracked love wend their way through each of these narratives. Moore’s characteristic style is always tender, never sentimental and often heartbreakingly funny. Ferris’s dazzling new novel To Rise Again at a Decent Hour is about the meaning of life, the certainty of death, and the importance of good oral hygiene. They talk to Ted Hodgkinson.

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The Baillie Gifford International Writers Series

Event 408

Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: Good Energy Stage

What has the idea of Roman Britain meant to those who came after Britain’s 400-year stint as a province of Rome, from the medieval mythographer-historian Geoffrey of Monmouth to Edward Elgar and WH Auden? What does Roman Britain mean to us now? How were its physical remains rediscovered and made sense of? How has it been reimagined, in story, in song and in verse?

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Event HF142

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: The Scribblers Hut

Award-winning translator Sarah Ardizzone and acclaimed illustrator Barroux join Daniel Hahn for a conversation about the joys and challenges involved in finding children’s books in other languages and translating them into English.12+ years (YA)

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Event HF155

Hells Bells: Samuel Johnson vs The Devil

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.30pm
Venue: The Cube

Samuel Johnson – with a little help from his dachshund Boswell and a very unlucky demon named Nurd – has sent the demons back to Hell. But the diabolical Mrs Abernathy is not one to take defeat lying down. When she reopens the portal and sucks Samuel and Boswell down into the underworld, she brings an ice-cream van full of dwarfs as well. And two policemen. Can this eccentric gang defeat the forces of Evil? And is there life after Hell for Nurd?

Event 544

BBC Radio 4

Saturday 31 May 2014, 5.45pm–8pm
Venue: BBC Tent

In this series presenter Monty Don explores the complex interface between a growing human population and wildlife. Two special editions of the programme will be recorded from the Hay Festival focusing on natural history writing. Broadcast Tuesdays, 11am–11.30am, and repeated Mondays, 9pm–9.30pm.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

FREE BUT TICKETED

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Event 409

Preview: The Children Act

Saturday 31 May 2014, 7pm
Venue: The Telegraph Stage

Ian McEwan’s recent work displays his interest in science and public affairs. His latest novels tackle climate change (Solar) and espionage (Sweet Tooth). In talks and articles he articulates a strong humanist position on the issues of the day. In a rare pre-publication conversation, he discusses his fiction in progress. His forthcoming novel highlights the ethical dilemmas when religious conviction seeks to prevent medical intervention. He talks to Raymond Tallis.

Event 410

THRIVE: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Happier Life

Saturday 31 May 2014, 7pm
Venue: The Tata Tent

The Huffington Post founder argues that a successful life is made up of more than just money and success and must also include what she calls The Third Metric: personal care, health, and fulfillment. She talks to Georgina Godwin.

Event 412

Cambridge University Series 13

Saturday 31 May 2014, 7pm
Venue: Good Energy Stage

Novelist and playwright Biyi Bandele, who wrote the screenplay for the recent adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half a Yellow Sun, talks about migrant writing with Malachi McIntosh, a lecturer in Postcolonial Literature.

This event has taken place

In association with Cambridge University

Event 413

Just Fashion

Saturday 31 May 2014, 7pm
Venue: Llwyfan Cymru – Wales Stage

Iconic British designer and ‘Queen of Green’ Katharine Hamnett CBE is joined by Dilys Williams, Director of London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion to discuss the future of sustainability in fashion as well as offer their insights on final garments created by students during the week-long ‘Just Workshop’. Led by designers Alis Smith and Jessica Mor, the Just Workshop is held in collaboration with the Environmental Justice Foundation and Levi Strauss & Co. to provide a unique opportunity for 12 students to create ethical and sustainable garments during this five-day workshop at Hay Festival.

FREE BUT TICKETED

This event has taken place

In partnership with Levi Strauss & Co. and the Environmental Justice Foundation

Event 414

Made in Bangladesh

Saturday 31 May 2014, 7pm
Venue: The Cube

Goldring was posted in Bangladesh before returning to the UK to become CEO of Oxfam. He is joined by the cultural producer, writer and entrepreneur Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi and K Anis Ahmed, author of The World in My Hands. They discuss the crises and opportunities of one of the world’s most dynamic countries.